Research shows that the abuse of state preemption is particularly prevalent in the South, where preemption is often a continuation of “state-sanctioned policies and practices rooted in racism and designed to uphold white supremacy” by suppressing the political power of communities of color.  Time and time again, overwhelmingly white, male, and conservative state legislatures have blocked the ability of local communities – often Black and Brown communities – from responding to the needs and values of their residents. These communities have been prevented from enacting policies on a multitude of work-related issues, such as minimum wages, fair scheduling laws, paid leave programs, local hire laws, prevailing wage laws, and other workplace protections. Read more from Blair H, Cooper D, Wolfe J, Worker J. Preempting progress: State interference in local policymaking prevents people of color, women, and low-income workers from making ends meet in the South. Economic Policy Institute. September 2020. https://www.epi.org/publication/preemption-in-the-south.

TAGGED: Minimum Wage, Fair Scheduling, Paid Leave, Local Hiring, Prevailing Wage, Region-Specific Studies